Tropical-wood-induced bullous erythema multiforme

We report a case of bullous erythema multiforme caused by an exotic wood, p ao ferro (Machaerium scleroxylon). A 25-year-old female, a luthier (guitar maker) who often handles a variety of woods, developed bullous erythema mul tiforme. A patch test confirmed a positive reaction to one of the exotic wo ods, pao ferro. A subsequent accidental short contact with pao ferro 5 mont hs following the first incidence induced a similar exudative erythema. Exot ic woods such as pao ferro should be added to the list of contact allergens that can induce bullous erythema multiforme. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.